Andre Villas-Boas has defended his managerial stints in England, insisting he was behind Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League triumph, despite being sacked midway through the campaign.

The Portuguese, who earlier this week was named as the new boss of Russian side Zenit St Petersburg, had been out of work since his December departure from Tottenham.

His spell at White Hart Lane followed an unsuccessful period at Stamford Bridge, where he lasted just eight months, leaving the Blues on the brink of a last 16 Champions League exit after a 3-1 defeat at Napoli.

However his successor Roberto Di Matteo turned the tie on its head and guided the club to their maiden Champions League crown.

But Villas-Boas believes he was behind the triumph.

‘When I left Chelsea they went on to win the Champions League. You have to give the players credit, but it was me who constructed that team,’ he said.